Alan Mascarenhas
Alan began his career at the Sydney Morning Herald before departing to find fame and fortune in the US. He found neither, but did complete a Master’s degree, work for the Mayor of Chicago and get to shake hands with Chelsea Clinton. Alan has a unique understanding of US politics – having witnessed the inside of an Iowa caucus; and of US society – having crossed the country by Greyhound and lived to tell the tale.
Articles by Alan Mascarenhas
Why Palin is poised to trump her opponents
The US is fighting three wars – give or take Libya. Unemployment just ticked up to 9.1 per cent. In…... Read more
Kevin Rudd: Master of disaster
So Kevin Rudd reckons he’s a better bet to captain the Brisbane Broncos than run for Prime Minister again. Julia…... Read more
It feels wrong to care about the Oscars
In 2002, a triumphant Nicole Kidman swooped gawkily onto stage to collect her Best Actress statue for The Hours. With…... Read more
Senate upset will teach us a lot about Barack Obama
The US Democratic Party is bewildered and spooked. One year after Barack Obama’s inauguration, a political asteroid struck yesterday, imperilling…... Read more
Is Obama digging his own grave on healthcare?
Barack Obama craves a historic presidency. Witness his pledge to single-handedly rescue the US health system in which millions lack…... Read more
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The Punch is moving house
Good morning Punchers. After four years of excellent fun and great conversation, this is the final post…
Will Pope Francis have the vision to tackle this?
I have had some close calls, one that involved what looked to me like an AK47 pointed my way, followed…
Advocating risk management is not “victim blaming”
In a world in which there are still people who subscribe to the vile notion that certain victims of sexual…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: Hasbro, go straight to gaol, do not pass go
Tim says:
They should update other things in the game too. Instead of a get out of jail free card, they should have a Dodgy Lawyer card that not only gets you out of jail straight away but also gives you a fat payout in compensation for daring to arrest you in the first place. Instead of getting a hotel when you… [read more]From: A guide to summer festivals especially if you wouldn’t go
Kel says:
If you want a festival for older people or for families alike, get amongst the respectable punters at Bluesfest. A truly amazing festival experience to be had of ALL AGES. And all the young "festivalgoers" usually write themselves off on the first night, only to never hear from them again the rest of… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
Superman needs saving
Can somebody please save Superman? He seems to be going through a bit of a crisis. Eighteen months ago,… Read more
